Invasive Plants Threatening Native Vegetation on Payne's Prairie

GAINESVILLE - An invasive species is waging war on the Payne's Prairie ecosystem and park rangers need your help in defeating the foe.

Saturday morning the prairie needs volunteers to help hand pick out the coral ardisia...a plant that can outcompete the native plants on the prairie.

The plant with bright red berries is appealing to birds who spread the berries.

A park visitor who has experience with hand picking invasive plants says getting rid of them can sometimes make you feel outnumbered.

Jack Engard, visitng Florida parks: "you know your last defense at the Alamo you're severely outnumbered you may not win but you have to kinda control it so you whack away at them and you may not overcome and have victory and completely eliminate them."

The prairie rangers need volunteers Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the main entrace of the prairie off 441 to help.